Mandela Foundation announces death of Nelson Mandela

Newscast Media JOHANNESBURG—The Nelson Mandela Foundation has announced the
death of the international icon who after a long illness has passed away. On its Web
site, the message read in part:

It is with the deepest regret that we have learned of the passing of our founder, Nelson
Rolihlahla Mandela – Madiba. The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa will shortly
make further official announcements.

We want to express our sadness at this time. No words can adequately describe this
enormous loss to our nation and to the world.

We give thanks for his life, his leadership, his devotion to humanity and humanitarian
causes. We salute our friend, colleague and comrade and thank him for his sacrifices for
our freedom. The three charitable organisations that he created dedicate ourselves to
continue promoting his extraordinary legacy.

The renowned freedom fighter was jailed for over a quarter of a century by the
apartheid government, and after he was released in 1990, he became South Africa’s
first Black president in 1994.

In 1985, Mandela turned down the government’s offer to free him if he renounced
armed struggle against apartheid. It wasn’t until South African President P.W. Botha
had a stroke and was replaced by F.W. de Klerk in 1989 that the stage was set for
his release.

His life was a triumph over racial oppression. The statesman died at age 95 from a
recurring lung infection and will receive a state funeral.